PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN PRE-RELEASE PREPARATION (FROM CORRECTIONAL CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT - A READER, 1975, BY LEONARD J HIPPCHEN - SEE NCJ-32007)

• NCJ Number: 49137
• Author(s): J J GALVIN
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 8 pages
• Corporate Author: Anderson Publishing Co
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE NEED FOR PRERELEASE PROGRAMS IS DISCUSSED, AND COMPONENTS OF SUCH PROGRAMS ARE SUGGESTED.

Abstract

THE CHANGE FROM AN INSTITUTIONALIZED LIFE WHERE LIVING SCHEDULES ARE STRUCTURED AND BASIC NEEDS ARE MET BY THE INSTITUTION TO A FREE SOCIETY WHERE SURVIVAL AND FULFILLMENT REST PRIMARILY UPON ONE'S OWN SKILLS AND INITIATIVE IS CONSIDERED A MAJOR SHOCK FOR THE EX-OFFENDER. PRERELEASE PROGRAMS ARE BELIEVED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE MEANS FOR RELIEVING SOME OF THE PROBLEMS OF RELEASED INMATES. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT A FEW WEEKS PRIOR TO RELEASE, INMATES SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE PRISON POPULATION TO BE HOUSED IN A FACILITY WHERE THE ENVIRONMENT SIMULATES THE FREEDOM OF SOCIETY. THERE, THROUGH DISCUSSIONS, LECTURES, AND COUNSELING, THOSE INMATES ARE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH POSSIBLE SURVIVAL AND ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS. THE PROGRAM SHOULD BE BOTH GENERAL AND INDIVIDUALIZED, COVERING THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS: THE NATURE OF PAROLE SUPERVISION; ATTITUDES AND PLANS CONCERNING WHERE TO LIVE AND WITH WHOM TO INTERACT; INFORMATION ABOUT SERVICE AGENCIES IN THE COMMUNITY THAT CAN HELP IN A VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES; A PLAN FOR IMMEDIATE MAINTENANCE AND PROVISIONS UNTIL A JOB IS FOUND; AND SPECIALIZED CARE NEEDED AFTER RELEASE BECAUSE OF INDIVIDUAL HANDICAPS. IT IS FURTHER RECOMMENDED THAT APPROPRIATE CORRECTIONS PERSONNEL CONTACT FAMILY, FRIENDS, AGENCIES, AND FUTURE EMPLOYERS WHO MAY BE INSTRUMENTAL IN SHAPING THE ATMOSPHERE AND HELP AVAILABLE ON RELEASE. (RCB)